PENNSYLVANIA, USA — A campaign rally hosted by former President Donald Trump was cut short when shots rang out into the crowd Saturday.
The former president and presumptive Republican nominee was at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania when gunshots were heard throughout the crowd. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said in a statement that the suspected gunman is dead and at least one rally attendee was killed. The Secret Service is currently investigating the incident and has labeled the area as an active crime scene. During a press conference Saturday night, law enforcement officials said they are close to being able to publicly identify the suspect and will do that as soon as they are 100% confident in the identity.
Several federal, state and local current and former elected officials, on both sides of the aisle, reacted to the incident.
Former President Donald Trump
"I want to thank The United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wing in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through my skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then was was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
President Joe Biden
"I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information. Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."
A spokesperson for the president also said "the Biden campaign is pausing all outbound communications and working to pull down our television ads as quickly as possible."
Vice President Kamala Harris
"I have been briefed on the shooting at former President Trump’s event in Pennsylvania. Doug and I are relieved that he is not seriously injured. We are praying for him, his family, and all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders, and local authorities for their immediate action. Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence."
Former President Barack Obama
"There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy. Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery."
Former President George W. Bush
"Laura and I are grateful that President Trump is safe following the cowardly attack on his life. And we commend the men and women of the Secret Service for their speedy response."
Former President Bill Clinton
"Violence has no place in America, especially in our political process. Hillary and I are thankful that President Trump is safe, heartbroken for all those affected by the attack at today’s rally in Pennsylvania, and grateful for the swift action of the U.S. Secret Service."
The George and Barbara Bush Foundation on behalf of the late former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush
"The George and Barbara Bush Foundation joins our fellow Americans in mourning the innocent life that was lost tonight in Butler, Pennsylvania — and in sending our prayers to President Trump and his family and the other rally attendees who were injured. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service for their quick response. We also join our fellow Americans in condemning this senseless violence, which can have no place in our political process. This great Nation, which so many have fought and died to preserve, deserves better."
The Carter Center on behalf of former President Jimmy Carter
"The Carter Center condemns the violence that took place at former President Trump's campaign rally in Pennsylvania. While we don't know all the facts, we do know that all Americans should be able to gather peaceably without fear of violence. Our thoughts are with President Trump and all those affected by this horrific act, and we call on all Americans to embrace civility in our democratic processes."
U.S. Secret Service
"During former President Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on the evening of July 13th at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally venue. U.S. Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of investigation."
FBI
"The FBI has assumed the role of the lead federal law enforcement agency in the investigation of the incident involving former President Donald Trump that occurred earlier today in Butler, Pennsylvania. Special agents of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office responded immediately, to include crisis response team members and evidence response technicians. We will continue to support this investigation with the full resources of the FBI, alongside our partners at the U.S. Secret Service and state and local law enforcement. Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to call our tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
"They try to jail him. They try to kill him. It will not work. He is indomitable," Abbott said on Twitter.
Smith County Democratic Chairman Hector Garza
"I'm flattened by it. It's unbelievable. What gun violence has taken us to an extreme, and then I'm disgusted with the events today. I'm really disappointed, really disappointed. Speaking on my behalf, and of course, Democrats in general, not just Smith County, I can tell you that we do not condone, and absolutely no way do we think that's acceptable behavior. Violence is not an answer to any of our problems, much less in the political realm. People's beliefs and politics should remain exactly -- that strictly a belief. There's no winners at all, when it comes to gun violence. You know, I do wish and I pray for Donald Trump's health. I pray for a very speedy recovery on him. Nobody deserves this. It doesn't matter. You know, leaving politics outside of this. Nobody deserves this. So, we wish for a speedy recovery on on his side."
Dr. Nancy Nichols, Smith County Democratic Pct. 14 Captain
"While we are grateful that another life was spared, this draws immediate attention to the critical need for commonsense gun laws. Americans, whether they are a past president or a school child, should not be fearful, fearful that anyone in their surroundings may be carrying a deadly weapon. No American should be fearful that people with mental instabilities or people with histories of violent crimes are poised to use firearms to injure or kill others. This has got to change! We know that Americans have been pummeled with messages of violence through every form of media. Glorifying guns is much like glorifying cigarette smoking. Everyone knows it’s bad. Everyone knows the push is to simply SELL guns. It is shameful. The only answer is to take combat weapons out of the hands of untrained civilians. May God guide our leaders to make the changes to protect former President Trump and all Americans."
Smith County Republican Chairman David Stein
"I'm shocked that something like this can happen. Obviously, there's a lot of investigation that needs to go on to figure out who, how, all of those things. I'm angry. I'm angry because we are in the middle of a fight for what a lot of us feel is the direction of this country."
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)
"This is horrific & wrong & evil. Thank God he appears not to be seriously injured. Heidi & I are lifting President Trump up in prayer right now. "
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)
"Sending prayers for President Trump for a swift recovery. Thank you to the U.S. Secret Service for acting quickly to ensure his safety. Whoever is responsible must face swift justice. May we all pray for our country tonight."
U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas)
"Praying for President Trump, his family, and our country after this horrific act. May God be with President Trump and with our nation."
U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas)
"Pray for President Trump. Pray for America."
Texas Sen. Bryan Hughes
"Today at a rally in Pennsylvania, there was a failed assassination attempt on President Trump. Please pray for President Trump and all those who may have been injured."
Texas Rep. Matt Schaefer
"One inch from civil unrest. One. Inch."
Texas Rep. Cole Hefner
"Pray for President Trump!"
Texas Rep. Jay Dean
"Regardless of your political views, I hope you will join Pokie and me in praying tonight for President Trump, for the other victims from today’s rally in PA and their families, and for our country. Lord, please guide us and protect us."
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
"The world is evil. Praise God that President Trump was able to walk away on his own. Praying for complete healing and that this person is captured immediately."
Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick
"Incidents erupts at President Trump’s Rally. Trump rushed off stage by secret service. Please everyone pray for President Trump and pray for the country."
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry
"Today we witnessed a tragic event, but the unwavering strength of President Trump — a true patriot — shines through. Our heartfelt gratitude to the Secret Service and local law enforcement for their swift intervention. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families who lost loved ones today to this act of violence."
U.S. Rep. Troy E. Nehls (R-Texas)
"God bless President Trump. Continue to pray for him. Pray for our country."
U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas)
"Violence begets violence, whether directed at Trump or inspired by him. I strongly condemn all acts of violence and hope that with quick law-enforcement action, all are safe at the Trump rally and he has suffered no lasting damage. In America, we must make our voices heard by ballots, not bullets."
U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas)
"We will win in this fight against evil."
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York)
“I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe. Political violence has no place in our country."
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont)
"Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I wish Donald Trump, and anyone else who may have been hurt, a speedy recovery."
U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California)
"As one whose family has been the victim of political violence, I know firsthand that political violence of any kind has no place in our society. I thank God that former President Trump is safe. As we learn more details about this horrifying incident, let us pray that all those in attendance at the former President’s rally today are unharmed."
U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jefferies (D-New York)
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump,. I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response. America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”